Pierre-Simon Laplace
Newton of France, transformed probability and celestial mechanics
Quotes by Pierre-Simon Laplace
The most important questions of life are, for the most part, only problems of probability.
It is a singular fact that the more we advance in knowledge, the more we discover our ignorance.
The theory of probability is nothing more than good sense expressed in numbers.
The value of a scientific theory is to be measured by its predictive power.
The influence of the moon on the tides is a striking example of the power of universal gravitation.
It is evident that a theory, however beautiful, must be rejected if it contradicts observation.
The human mind has a natural tendency to believe in the marvelous.
The study of nature is the best school for philosophy.
It is only by observing nature that we can hope to discover its laws.
The most important discoveries are often made by accident.
The universe is a vast machine, and everything in it is governed by immutable laws.
The true spirit of discovery is a restless spirit, always seeking new knowledge.
The progress of science is a continuous process of refinement and correction.
The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge.
The human mind is capable of understanding the most complex phenomena, if it applies itself with diligence.
The laws of nature are simple and elegant, but their consequences can be infinitely complex.
The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics.
The more I study, the more I am convinced of the existence of God, and of the wisdom of His creation.
The probability of a miracle is so small that it is practically zero.
The true method of philosophy is to begin by doubting everything.